Jennifer L. DiMatteo, of Appleton, will graduate Magna Cum Laude at Saturday’s Midyear Commencement Ceremony.
Here is her touching, self-submitted story:
“I am graduating January 2015 with my Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and Leadership. I feel every student has a story to tell, a challenge or obstacle to overcome in order to succeed, and I feel by sharing our stories, others who may be contemplating whether or not to go on to college may relate to something they read and be left feeling inspired.
“I began college as a nontraditional student at the age of 24. By this age, I was helping care for both of my disabled parents, and working 1-3 jobs as I supported myself. While I was attending UW-Fox Valley, my mom spent four months in the UW Madison Hospital waiting for a heart transplant. She finally had her transplant Oct. 31, 2001. While she was in Madison fighting for her life, my dad was confined to a nursing home. Between my classes, homework, and jobs, I was either with my dad or in Madison by my mom. I was left feeling exhausted, and did eventually leave school.
“I took an eight year hiatus from school, but in those eight years, I worked in medical billing, I got married, bought a house and had two children. I said good-bye to my dad in 2005 as he passed away. My mom is still with us, strong as ever. Between losing my father, who always told me I could do anything I set my mind to, and then having my two sons, I realized how important it was for me to finish college. I wanted to do it for myself first and foremost, but also to honor my dad and to lead by example for my own children.
“I returned to college for Fall 2012 semester, enrolled in the Human Services and Leadership program online. I have maintained full-time status in school, continued to work in medical billing and raising my children up until Spring 2014 semester. I was interning at a transitional homeless shelter, and that internship became a job opportunity. It was an opportunity I could not pass up. I have been working there since my internship ended in May 2014.
“As I look back over the past two and a half years, I have seen true personal and professional development in myself. I have maintained high standards in school, graduating with honors, and I continue to challenge myself professionally. At the end of the day, I fully understand I am succeeding because of the efforts I put into this journey I have been on, however the education gave me so much that I could draw from. It kept me inspired and empowered, which is needed while staying on course. I remained disciplined and made necessary self-sacrifices, and do not have a single regret.
“I have much to be proud of as I prepare to walk the stage and accept my diploma. As I know my children will be there watching me graduate, so will my mom, my husband, and those in my life who supported me on this journey. And I know my dad will be walking with me by my side. In my heart I will be accepting my diploma in honor of my father and of my children.
“Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my story, and hope that if even one person feels inspired by it, that would simply add to the honor I feel in this whole experience.”
“In honor of my father, Thomas “Mike” Armstrong,
And my sons, Xander and Ian DiMatteo”
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